Anthony Joshua claims his corner let him down when he lost his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk last September. “A lot was going on in the corner, which didn’t help,” Joshua said ahead of the rematch on August 20 in Saudi Arabia. “A corner is similar to a pitstop.” So having too many voices at once is not good for anyone, not just me.”
Joshua believed he was winning despite being out-thought, out-fought, and, ultimately, outclassed by Usyk. Rather than being urged to increase the intensity of his work in the final rounds, Joshua said his corner gave him instructions that were “more like: ‘Double jab, right, left hook.'” ‘Take the fight to this fucker,’ it wasn’t like that. Listen up, you’re losing the battle.’ No. A trainer must be aware of this psychological aspect. Yeah, we’re losing a world championship fight,’ you have to tell your fighter at times.
Joshua was trained by Robert McCracken when he won Olympic gold in 2012 and throughout his professional career until they parted amicably after the loss to Usyk. Joshua emphasized his admiration for McCracken – “He knows what he’s doing, he’s a very good coach” – and everything they accomplished together. But he agreed that there were too many voices advising him against Usyk. Joby Clayton, one of his trainers, kept telling him, incorrectly, that he was boxing beautifully and dominating the fight.
When asked if he thought he could beat Usyk, Joshua replied, “I swear I thought I could.” In there, I thought I looked like Muhammad Ali.” But he quickly added, “I’m not blaming anyone, but I didn’t get the impression I was losing the fight.” I thought we were in good shape. That’s why, when they announced [Usyk’s] name, I thought, ‘huh?'”
Joshua also chose the wrong strategy by attempting to box Usyk rather than utilizing his significant height and weight advantage, as well as his punching power. “‘One of my strengths was my power, but I always wanted to be a clean boxer,” he explained. “‘Hit and avoid getting hit,’ especially if I want a long and successful career.” You need a good defense, but I moved away from the ferocious side of boxing where I knew I could hit and knock people out.”
Following his humiliating defeat, Joshua sought advice from several top trainers in the United States on how to approach the rematch. He eventually hired the astute Robert Garcia as his head trainer, while Angel Fernandez and Clayton remained in his corner. “A new environment was required,” Joshua explained. “I wasn’t forced; it was my choice.”
Garcia, who is based in California but now works with Joshua in Loughborough, has trained 14 fighters to world titles, including Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, the prodigious 22-year-old who emerged this year as the most exciting young fighter on the planet. Joshua can injure Usyk, and Garcia will encourage him to steamroll the new champion rather than try to match his far superior boxing skills.
Joshua appears to be ready to listen to his new head trainer’s authoritative voice. “I miss the days of slicing people’s faces open and hurting them,” he admitted. “So I’m looking forward to returning to that.”
Meanwhile, Usyk responded with cool nonchalance. “I don’t care how or what Anthony trains or does,” the champion said. “I’m only concerned with my training camp, what I eat, my work, my family, and my country.” If people are telling Joshua that the only way he can win is to put pressure on me and go for the knockout, let them speak.”
